Did the internet partially kill gaming?

I don't believe stripping of the multiplayer/internet concept would be a solution, but as you suggested, taking out the ranks/tension of it would. It's the fact the entire game is now this:

Play storymode, learn basics
Go online, play until your XXX ranking
Flaunt

I feel a lack of substance in today's games because of the fact they rely the entire replay value on multiplayer gameplay. I mean look at the budokai games, those were fun and had tons of replay value, the original mario's, hell even megaman.

I see what you're saying, and completely agree but frankly I'm just looking for acknowledgement that todays way of gaming has really hit rock bottom.